National University of Advanced Legal Studies: About Us

The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) is a premier law institute located in Kerala, India. Established in 2005, NUALS has steadily gained recognition for its exceptional legal education and holistic approach towards nurturing the future generation of legal professionals. With a vision to be a leading centre of legal excellence, NUALS seeks to provide comprehensive education, research, and training opportunities in the field of law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, allowing students to specialise in various areas of law and acquire the necessary skills to succeed in their legal careers.

National University of Advanced Legal Studies Vision, Mission, and Objectives

Vision: Leading centre for legal education & research.

Mission: Imparting quality legal education, fostering research & professional skills, and addressing societal challenges.

Objectives:

• Promote legal education & research.

• Train lawyers for the evolving legal system.

• Contribute to India's legal development.

National University of Advanced Legal Studies Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria, and Fee Structure

At NUALS, students have the opportunity to pursue various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. The admissions process is highly competitive and follows rigorous selection criteria. Here is an overview of the courses offered at NUALS:

Course	Admission Process	Eligibility Criteria	Duration	Fee Structure
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)	Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)	10+2 from any recognised board	3 years	INR 60,000/year
Master of Laws (LL.M)	Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)	LL.B or equivalent degree	1 year	INR 1,20,000
Master of Business Laws (MBL)	Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)	LL.B or equivalent degree	1 year	INR 1,20,000
Master of Comparative Laws (MCL)	Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)	LL.B or equivalent degree	1 year	INR 1,20,000
Ph.D. in Law	NUALS Research Aptitude Test (NRAT), followed by interview	LL.M or equivalent degree	3-6 years (part-time also available)	As per university norms

How do I apply for admission to the National University of Advanced Legal Studies?

• Visit the official website for NUALS admission.

• Fill out the online application form.

• Carefully read and understand the eligibility criteria before applying.

• Submit relevant documents as specified in the application guidelines.

• Pay the application fee through the designated payment gateway.

• The university employs a merit-based selection process.

• Academic achievements are considered in the selection criteria.

• Entrance exam scores are also taken into account.

• Ensure thorough comprehension of all provided instructions.

• Verify and confirm the successful submission of the application.

• Stay updated by checking the official website regularly.

• Await the official notification regarding admission results.

• Follow any additional instructions provided by the university for the subsequent steps in the admission process.

National University of Advanced Legal Studies Facilities

Academic Facilities:

• Classrooms: NUALS boasts well-equipped classrooms designed for interactive learning, with each equipped with audio-visual aids and modern furniture.

  

  National University of Advanced Legal Studies Classrooms

• Moot Court Hall: The university features a spacious and professionally designed Moot Court Hall, complete with a judge's dais, witness stands, and a public gallery, providing students with a realistic courtroom environment to hone their advocacy skills.

  

  National University of Advanced Legal Studies Moot Court Hall

• Seminar Halls: NUALS offers several seminar halls for hosting guest lectures, workshops, and conferences, fostering knowledge sharing and intellectual discourse.

Library:

• NUALS Law Library: The heart of the academic infrastructure, the NUALS Law Library houses an impressive collection of over 13,420 legal books, journals, reports, and other resources. Additionally, it provides access to a vast array of online legal databases, ensuring students have access to the latest legal information.

  

  National University of Advanced Legal Studies Library

• Digital Resources: NUALS leverages technology to provide seamless access to digital learning materials, including e-books, journals, and online databases, supporting flexible and efficient learning.

Residential Facilities:

• Hostels: NUALS offers separate hostels for both male and female students, providing comfortable living quarters with amenities like common rooms, laundry facilities, and mess services.

  

  National University of Advanced Legal Studies Hostels

• Guest House: The university maintains a well-maintained guest house for accommodating visiting faculty, scholars, and dignitaries.

Other Facilities:

• Computer Labs: NUALS provides well-equipped computer labs with high-speed internet access, enabling students to access online resources, prepare presentations, and complete assignments effectively.

• Sports Complex: The university boasts a sports complex with facilities for various sports activities, promoting physical fitness and recreation among students.

• Auditorium: NUALS features a spacious auditorium used for hosting various events, including seminars, conferences, cultural programmes, and student activities.

  

  National University of Advanced Legal Studies Auditorium

National University of Advanced Legal Studies Career Opportunities

1. Growing legal demand:

• India's expanding economy and complex legal landscape are creating a constant need for skilled legal professionals.

• New areas like intellectual property, cyberlaw, and environmental law are witnessing increasing demand.

2. NUALS' strong reputation:

• The university's rigorous academic programme, experienced faculty, and focus on practical skills equip graduates with a competitive edge.

• Alumni success stories and strong industry connections create an environment for career advancement.

3. Diverse career options:

• Beyond traditional litigation, graduates can explore:

  • Corporate law: In-house counsel, mergers & acquisitions, compliance.

  • Public interest law: Legal aid, NGOs, human rights organisations.

  • Academia: Teaching, research, legal scholarship.

  • Alternative careers: Policy analysis, journalism, entrepreneurship.

4. Focus on emerging areas:

• NUALS' commitment to advanced legal studies prepares graduates for future trends like technology-driven legal practice and globalised legal markets.

• Specialised courses in cyberlaw, intellectual property, and international law equip graduates for these niche areas.

5. Strong alumni network:

• The NUALS alumni network provides graduates with mentorship, career guidance, and access to professional opportunities.

• The network can be a valuable resource for career development and networking.

National University of Advanced Legal Studies Placements

• Above-average placements: Compared to other NLUs, NUALS placements are generally above average, with placements improving year-on-year.

• Diverse recruiters: Recruiters from law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and NGOs participate in placements.

• Top recruiters: Some notable recruiters include Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co., Trilegal, Luthra & Luthra, AZB & Partners, Lakshmikumaran & Partners, Vaikunth M. Mane & Associates, and more.

• Recent placement data: While official data for 2023 placements hasn't been released yet, the 2021 statistics provide a good picture:

  • Median package: 10 LPA for BA LLB Hons and 10.12 LPA for LLM programmes.

  • Percentage placed: Around 50–60% of students get placed (numbers are expected to rise in the future).

National University of Advanced Legal Studies Activities

• Moot Court: NUALS has a very active moot court programme, which is considered to be one of the best in India. The university regularly participates in national and international moot court competitions, and its teams have won many awards.

  

  National University of Advanced Legal Studies Moot Court

• Seminars & Workshops: NUALS regularly organises seminars and workshops on a wide range of legal topics. These events are an excellent opportunity for students to learn from leading experts in the field of law.

  

  National University of Advanced Legal Studies Seminars & Workshops

• Legal Aid Clinic: The NUALS Legal Aid Clinic provides free legal assistance to the underprivileged. Students who participate in the clinic gain valuable experience in providing legal services to clients.

  

  National University of Advanced Legal Studies Legal Aid Clinic

• Campus Recruitment: NUALS has a strong placement record. Many leading law firms and companies recruit students from the university.

  

  National University of Advanced Legal Studies Campus Recruitment

• Events: NUALS hosts a number of events throughout the year, including cultural events, sports events, and debates. These events provide students with an opportunity to relax and have fun outside of their studies.

  

  National University of Advanced Legal Studies Events

• Students Council: The NUALS Students Council is a democratically elected body that represents the interests of the students. The council organises a number of events and activities throughout the year.

  

  National University of Advanced Legal Studies Students Council

National University of Advanced Legal Studies Scholarships Programme

• Merit-based Scholarships: Awarded to students based on their academic performance in entrance exams like CLAT and past academic records.

• Need-based Scholarships: Awarded to students who demonstrate financial hardship and require assistance to pursue their studies.

• Scholarships for Specific Categories: Offered to students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and women to promote diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.

• NUALS Merit Scholarship: Awarded to students with exceptional academic performance in CLAT and fulfilling specific eligibility criteria.

• NUALS Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: Awarded to students with outstanding academic merit who demonstrably need financial assistance.

• NUALS SC/ST Scholarship: Awarded to students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes categories.

• NUALS OBC Scholarship: Awarded to students belonging to the Other Backward Classes category.

• NUALS PwD Scholarship: Awarded to students with disabilities.

• NUALS Women Scholarship: Awarded to female students pursuing legal studies at NUALS.

National University of Advanced Legal Studies Affiliation and Accreditation

Affiliation:

• Government of Kerala: NUALS is a public law university established by the Government of Kerala under Act 27 of 2005 of the Kerala State Legislature. This means it receives funding and operates under the authority of the state government.

Accreditation:

• University Grants Commission (UGC): NUALS is recognized by the UGC under Section 2(f) and Section 12B of the UGC Act. This recognition is crucial for the validity of degrees awarded by the university and allows its students to pursue higher education in India and abroad.

• Bar Council of India (BCI): NUALS is approved by the BCI, the regulatory body for legal education in India. This approval is mandatory for all law universities offering degrees that allow graduates to practice law in India.

• Association of Indian Universities (AIU): NUALS is a member of the AIU, a national association of universities in India. This membership facilitates collaboration and exchange of resources among universities throughout the country.

National University of Advanced Legal Studies Highlights

Parameter	Information
University Name	National University of Advanced Legal Studies
Type	State University
Establishment	2005
Official Website	https://www.nuals.ac.in/
Address	Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala
Academic Affiliations	Bar Council of India, University Grants Commission
Chancellor	Chief Justice of High Court of Kerala
Vice Chancellor	Justice S. Siri Jagan (Retd.)

National University of Advanced Legal Studies's FAQs

Q: How can I apply for admission to NUALS?

A: You can apply by visiting the official NUALS admission website, filling out the online application form, and following the specified guidelines.

Q: What is the admission process for the LL.B. and LL.M. programs?

A: Admission to LL.B. and LL.M. programs is through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). For a Ph.D., it involves the NUALS Research Aptitude Test (NRAT), followed by an interview.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for the LL.B. and LL.M. programs?

A: Eligibility criteria vary, but for example, LL.B. requires 10+2 from any recognized board, while LL.M. requires an LL.B. or equivalent degree.

Q: Is there a part-time option for the Ph.D. program?

A: Yes, the Ph.D. program offers a part-time option, and the duration can range from 3 to 6 years.

Q: What is the fee structure for LL.B. and LL.M. programs?

A: The fee for LL.B. is INR 60,000 per year, and for LL.M., MBL, and MCL, it is INR 1,20,000 for the entire program.

Q: How do I pay the application fee?

A: The application fee can be paid through the designated payment gateway on the official website.

Q: What documents do I need to submit during the application process?

A: The required documents are specified in the application guidelines and typically include educational certificates, identification proof, and others.

Q: What academic facilities does NUALS provide?

A: NUALS offers well-equipped classrooms, a moot court hall, seminar halls, a law library with digital resources, computer labs, a sports complex, and an auditorium.

Q: Are there residential facilities available for students?

A: Yes, NUALS provides separate hostels for male and female students, along with a guest house for visiting faculty and dignitaries.

Q: How are the career opportunities after graduating from NUALS?

A: NUALS graduates have diverse career options, including traditional litigation, corporate law, public interest law, academia, and alternative careers.

Q: Can you provide information about NUALS placements?

A: NUALS generally has above-average placements, with recruiters from law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and NGOs participating. Notable recruiters include Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co., and more.

Q: What extracurricular activities does NUALS offer?

A: NUALS has an active moot court program and organizes seminars, workshops, legal aid clinics, campus recruitments, and various events throughout the year.

Q: Are there scholarships available for students?

A: Yes, NUALS offers merit-based, need-based, and category-specific scholarships, including the NUALS Merit Scholarship, Merit-cum-Means Scholarship, and scholarships for specific categories like SC/ST, OBC, PwD, and women.

Q: Is NUALS affiliated with any governing body?

A: NUALS is affiliated with the Government of Kerala, is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Bar Council of India (BCI), and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Q: Why are UGC and BCI accreditations important for NUALS?

A: UGC accreditation is crucial for the validity of degrees awarded, allowing students to pursue higher education in India and abroad. BCI approval is mandatory for law universities to offer degrees enabling graduates to practice law in India.

Q: How old is NUALS, and where is it located?

A: NUALS was established in 2005, and it is located in Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala, India.

Q: Who is the current Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of NUALS?

A: The current Chancellor is the Chief Justice of the High Court of Kerala, and the Vice Chancellor is Justice S. Siri Jagan (Retd.).

Q: Can I get admission updates on the official website?

A: Yes, it is recommended to check the official NUALS website regularly for admission updates and other important information.

Q: What undergraduate programs does NUALS offer other than LL.B.?

A: NUALS primarily offers the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) program at the undergraduate level.

Q: Are there any specialized LL.M. programs at NUALS?

A: NUALS offers specialized LL.M. programs such as Master of Business Laws (MBL) and Master of Comparative Laws (MCL) in addition to the general LL.M. program.

Q: Can I pursue multiple LL.M. specializations simultaneously?

A: No; typically, students choose one LL.M. specialization from the available options.

Q: Is CLAT the only entrance exam accepted for NUALS admissions?

A: Yes, the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the primary entrance exam for the LL.B., LL.M., MBL, and MCL programs at NUALS.

Q: Are there any reservations or quotas for specific categories in the admission process?

A: Yes, NUALS follows the reservation policies as per government norms, including quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and women.

Q: How can I apply for need-based scholarships at NUALS?

A: Students can apply for need-based scholarships during the admissions process by providing relevant financial information and supporting documents.

Q: Are scholarships available for international students?

A: NUALS primarily offers scholarships for Indian students, and specific provisions for international students may vary.

Q: Can students access the NUALS Law Library online?

A: Yes, the NUALS Law Library provides access to a vast array of online legal databases, e-books, journals, and other resources for students.

Q: How does the library support research activities at NUALS?

A: The library at NUALS is equipped with a diverse collection of legal books, journals, and reports, facilitating comprehensive research for students and faculty.

Q: Are there student clubs or organizations at NUALS?

A: Yes, NUALS has various student-led clubs, societies, and organizations covering academic, cultural, and sports activities.

Q: What sports facilities are available at the NUALS sports complex?

A: The sports complex offers facilities for various sports activities, promoting physical fitness and recreation among students.

Q: Can I pursue a Ph.D. at NUALS as a part-time student while working?

A: Yes, the Ph.D. program at NUALS offers a part-time option, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments.

Q: Is there any specific research focus or area of specialization for Ph.D. candidates at NUALS?

A: Ph.D. candidates can pursue research in various legal disciplines based on their interests and the expertise of NUALS faculty.

Q: How can I connect with the NUALS alumni network?

A: The NUALS alumni network may have official platforms such as alumni associations or social media groups where graduates can connect, share experiences, and offer mentorship.

Q: Are there mentorship programmes for current students facilitated by the alumni network?

A: Some universities have mentorship programs organized by the alumni network to provide guidance and support to current students.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the National University of Advanced Legal Studies offers a comprehensive and enriching academic experience for students pursuing law. With its esteemed faculty, modern infrastructure, numerous career opportunities, and a student-friendly environment, NUALS stands as a top choice for those aspiring to make a mark in the legal field. Whether you are a prospective student or a legal enthusiast, NUALS is undoubtedly a university that prioritises excellence and fosters holistic development. Begin your journey at NUALS and unlock your potential in the world of law!